DRY – dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel. Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

FACTS ABOUT HANDWASHING:

Handwashing is a vital tool in preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses that can cause infections and foodborne illness.

Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand-to-hand contact include the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders, such as norovirus.

Inadequate hand hygiene also contributes to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli infection.

Antibacterial soaps are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soaps may lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the products’ antimicrobial agents — making it even harder to kill these germs in the future.

Although it’s impossible to keep your bare hands germ-free, there are times when it’s critical to wash your hands to limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes.

Always wash your hands:

Before, during and after preparing food

Before eating food

Before and after treating wounds or cuts

Before and after touching a sick or injured person

Before inserting or removing contact lenses

After using the toilet

After changing a diaper — wash the diaper-wearer’s hands, too

After touching animals or animal waste

After handling pet food or treats

After blowing your nose

After coughing or sneezing into your hands

After handling garbage

Teach and show children how and when to wash their hands.Children should wash their hands after: